The Propulsion Control System is a key feature of the automation systems on board a ship. In addition to ensuring safety and reliability, modern Propulsion Control Systems are also playing an increasingly important role in facilitating smooth and efficient operation of the ship. Vessel operators are also increasingly looking into automation systems to support their efforts to reduce emissions, enhance fuel efficiency, and optimise operations.
To support our customers, Wärtsilä provides two different PCS systems, one for four-stroke and another for two-stroke applications.
My first impression was that it (the Wärtsilä ProTouch) looks very compact. The operating human-machine interface is approximately the size of an iPhone, it is logical and easy to operate. If you're able to use an iPhone, you're able to use this system.
The Wärtsilä Propulsion Control System for four-stroke applications is a comprehensive system of control devices, displays, indicators and modules designed to suit all possible propulsion configurations of a modern ship. The human interface of Wärtsilä PCS, ProTouch, is a complete system of levers and touch screen interfaces, that responds to market demands for modern and compact control devices.
Applicable to Wärtsilä four-stroke engine applications with variable propeller speed operations and the Wärtsilä ProTouch PCS, Wärtsilä EcoControl uses a smart control system to combine the optimal propeller pitch with the optimal engine load, thereby ensuring that fuel consumption is reduced to its most efficient level during transit sailing modes.
Around the world, the speed of development in electrics and electronics is increasingly more and more rapidly. As a result, the lifecycle of these types of components – such as those found in a Wärtsilä PCS – is becoming ever shorter. In some cases, it may even be less than five years. Wärtsilä has developed a so-called lifecycle roadmap that seeks to guarantee a lifecycle of at least 15 years on its PCSs.
Initially, Wärtsilä maintains sufficient stocks of replacement components, within the first 10 years of the product lifecycle. When this is no longer possible, an upgrade kit, containing the most recent available technology, is made available. After 15 years, the customer will have the option to purchase a replacement control system with equivalent or customised functionality.
We have a PCS that understands all the components in our large product portfolio and we have knowledge of how ships are operated. That boosts the value proposition of our PCS.
